New city art trail will raise funds for disadvantaged communities
It maybe under Tier 3 restrictions, but the rich, creative, singular spirit of Manchester is brought to life from today until December with 50 Windows of Creativity.
Created by Wild In Art, the team behind the award-winning Bee in the City event, 50 Windows of Creativity has transformed the streets of Manchester into an innovative art gallery, taking people on a colourful, inspiring and safe journey around the city centre.
The trail, in partnership with Manchester City Council and supported by Ocean Outdoor, will raise money for the artists involved and The Lord Mayor of Manchester Charity Appeal Trust – We Love MCR Charity, which supports disadvantaged communities and individuals.
50 Windows of Creativity showcases multiple art forms including mosaics, installations, mixed media sculpture, fine art, photography, craft and large-scale murals, all created by Greater Manchester artists and makers.
The works are accommodated in windows, venues, businesses and other spaces around Manchester city centre and can be enjoyed within social distancing rules.
It’s a chance to see Ric Facchin’s miniature Manchester Builds, which immortalise some the city’s best buildings at their moment in time, whilst Kimpton Clocktower Hotel will display a mosaic work by Mary Goodwin featuring a tryptic of historical Mancunians.
Classic Football Shirts are presenting mosaicist Mark Kennedy’s replica of the 20/21 Premier League Manchester City Football Club shirt, the design of which was inspired by his work, and Sarah Connell’s Manchester cityscapes of the Etihad Stadium and Old Trafford can be seen at Wesley Barrell, both on Deansgate.
Many of the works showcase creativity sparked by lockdown, others bring a sense of fun and discovery. Some are provocative. All the pieces will be available to buy directly from the artist or maker when the project culminates with a live-streamed auction on December 10 2020.
Ben Reed, head of creative development at Wild in Art, said: “We are delighted to have the privilege of working with the many incredibly talented artists, designers and makers and we are excited to reveal their work and displays. This project will transform the city’s windows and spaces into an innovative art gallery taking people on a creative journey around Manchester.”
Phil Hall, Ocean Outdoor joint managing director, said: “This project captures Manchester’s innovative spirit, and the important part art and culture plays in the city’s social and economic life. Over the next few weeks residents can reconnect with important places, community spaces and businesses, something we are delighted to support.”
As part of its Digital Cities for Digital Cities programme, Ocean has been using its portfolio of city-wide screens to help struggling businesses and deliver important community messages during Covid-19.
The 50 Windows of Creativity app is downloadable from the App Store or on Google.
The interactive trail map is here: beeinthecitymcr.co.uk/50windows